7 major stars top clubs should build their team around for the 2015/16 season
With the new club season just a few weeks away, Europe’s top sides are continuing to trawl through the transfer market in search of the best stars. Getting these sort of key decisions right can often pre-determine just how well a season can go – just look at Barcelona’s decision to bring Luis Suarez and Ivan Rakitic on board as they stormed to a treble-winning season.
Incidentally, the Blaugrana don’t feature in our list due to the hefty restrictions of their transfer ban.
It doesn’t always go to plan, but when it does, the rewards can be spectacular. Top clubs everywhere have already engaged in off-field battles for the players they so desperately want. Some have been silently intriguing tugs-of-war while others have borne a closer resemblance to an out-in-the-open fracas. Others, of course, have yet to fully develop.
We take a look at the big names that some of the best clubs should look to build around ahead of the 2015/16 season.
7) Carlos Bacca – Arsenal or Manchester United
A few seasons ago, the current Sevilla star was a completely unknown commodity. But now, he’s one of the hottest properties in the beautiful game. Having sky-rocketed to fame after an incredible campaign with Unai Emery’s charges, Bacca was an integral member of the squad that clinched a historic fourth Europa League crown.
Now, talk has begun to emanate about a potential move away for the rags-to-riches player. Manchester United and Arsenal have both been linked with the Colombian’s services, as relayed by The Express.
One of the deadliest strikers in the modern game, his 20 La Liga goals combined with his seven across the continent mean that he is good enough for the best of the best. Although the Premier League is his most obvious destination, he would fit in perfectly just about anywhere.
Indeed, with both the Red Devils and the Gunners crying out for a consistent goalscorer to challenge Chelsea’s supremacy, a fearless Bacca might just be the key component needed to catapult them past the reigning champions. He already knows how to conquer Europe; perhaps England will be his next port of call?
6) Harry Kane – Manchester United
Following a whirlwind season at White Hart Lane with Tottenham Hotspur, Kane sparked an unprecedented level of interest in his talent. Indeed, it’s been a long while since an English centre-forward has been this talked about, and the general consensus is that the Lilywhites front-man can continue to live up to the hype.
Providing a cut-throat element to Spurs’ attack last season, he couldn’t stop hitting the back of the net. Memorably, he inspired Mauricio Pochettino’s men to a huge 5-3 win against the Blues back in the new year when he slotted home a delectable double.
Adding a clinical string to their bow that has often been lacking, he briefly fuelled their hopes for European football, despite not actually getting there. Of course, Manchester United recently unveiled their interest in bringing the England U21 international on board, per Sky Sports, and it is clear to see why Louis Van Gaal should look to bring him in as the goal-scoring machine they so desperately crave, especially now that Radamel Falcao has parted ways with the 13-time Premier League winners.
He could be the missing ingredient they desire.